Malibu
Head to Point Dume (7401 Birdview Ave., 310.457.8143) for a beach day. This beach is one of my favs because it’s quiet and relaxing. Plus, stone cliffs make you feel like you are far from Los Angeles. After a day in the sun, head to Café Habana (3939 Cross Creek Rd., 310.317.0300) in the Country Mart. Enjoy al fresco drinks and maybe do a little shopping. As for dinner, the The Malibu Farm (Address provided upon ticket purchase/RSVP) is a gourmet feast in a uber-intimate backyard with a pet pig and lots of little chickadees running around. Still want the day to continue? The Malibu Inn (22969 Pacific Coast Highway, 310.456.1160) has concerts all summer long.
Los Feliz
Sunset Ranch (3400 N Beachwood Dr., 323.469.5450) is famous for its one-hour pony tours to the Hollywood sign (recently voted one of the most romantic activities in Los Angeles). Then head to Griffith Park Observatory (2800 East Observatory Ave., 213.473.0800) and look through their huge telescope at the stars that are usually covered by light pollution. Grab dinner at the Yamashiro Farmer’s Market (1999 N Sycamore Ave., 323.466.5125). Farmer’s market at night? Oh yes! Feast on fresh tacos and grab some fruits to munch on. The nights not over! Snatch a tiny table at Figaro Bistrot (1802 N Vermont Ave., 323.662.1587). This sidewalk eatery has French desserts and cocktails to round out the evening!
Downtown
Check out the MOCA (250 S Grand Ave., 213.626.6222) and its latest display: The Painting Factory, Abstraction After Warhol (open through August 20). Then, head to Baco Mercat (408 S Main St., 213.687.8808) for a Gin-Pop!, which is mixed with soda. As far as eats, live dangerously and go out on a limb with their out-of-the-box entrees. Or if coffee is more your thing, head to Handsome Coffee (582 Mateo St., 213.621.4194) for some bold brews.
Venice
Sporty? Get some exercise and rent bikes from Bike Curious Rentals (34 Windward Ave., 310.396.1166). On the Venice Boardwalk (1800 Ocean Front Walk, 310.396.6764) you can check out the wacky people and cool vendors. Then, head to Abbot Kinney First Fridays (Abbot Kinney Blvd., between Venice Blvd. and Ocean Ave.) for drinks, shopping, small bites from food trucks. Ready for a more intimate setting? Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing (1616 Abbot Kinney Blvd., 424.268.8344) has great, gourmet, local ingredient dishes.
